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A router establishes a local area network, a collection of computers that can communicate with one another within a limited range. Once a router is connected to a cable modem, it can share an Internet signal with all of the clients associated with the LAN. Wireless routers are convenient and, in most cases, require little effort to configure, but Wi-Fi decreases broadband speed, reducing network performance. Businesses that use bandwidth-intensive applications should use a wired network, as it offers fast, reliable speeds beyond what Wi-Fi can provide.

1. Confirm the cable modem is connected to the router; the Ethernet cable attached to the rear of the modem should be plugged into the "WAN" or "Internet" jack on the back of the routing device.

2. Connect an Ethernet cable to a workstation. Plug the other end of the cable into one of the LAN ports on the back of the router.

3. Repeat the above step for all other workstations or network-capable devices in the office.

Things Needed

Ethernet cable

Tip

You may need to reset the modem or the router after connecting a workstation to the network. Unplug the power adapters connected to each device and then reconnect them after waiting five to 10 seconds.

About the Author

Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.